The best cat brushes, tested and reviewed

Cats are naturally meticulous groomers, spending up to half their day cleaning themselves. Still, both short- and long-haired cats benefit from regular grooming with one of the best cat brushes or combs. Routine grooming helps remove loose fur and distribute natural skin oils throughout a cat's coat, says Dr. Aimee Simpson, a veterinarian and medical director of VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia.

To find the best cat grooming tools, we tested 31 different brushes and combs with four cats. The winning pick is the Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Brush, a versatile option suitable for everyday use on both short- and long-haired coats. Its double-sided design features metal pins on one side and bristles on the other, allowing you to lift loose fur, work out small tangles, and smooth the top coat, including more delicate hairs on the face.

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Our top picks for the best cat brushes

Best overall

Persuading your cat to sit through a grooming session can be a challenge, but the double-sided Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Brush makes the process easier and, dare we say, even enjoyable for cats of all coat lengths and humans alike.

The gentle, effective combo brush is our go-to for daily use. One side features stainless steel pins that remove loose fur and small tangles, while the other side has nylon bristles that smooth and soften the coat.

In testing, the metal pins easily lifted loose fur from a long-haired cat's coat, while both the pins and bristles were excellent for a short-haired cat. The cats especially enjoyed the bristles around their sensitive faces. While the pins successfully work through small tangles, you'll need a different brush for more substantial knots and mats.

This brush also includes the safety features that Daniel Lioyryan, a cat groomer at Cats in the City, recommends for pin brushes. The stainless steel pins have rubber tips that provide a massaging effect while protecting cats from poking. They're set in a soft, flexible pad that prevents the tines from jabbing a cat. The rubber grip was easy to handle during use.

Best deshedding tool

Cat groomer Lioyryan recommends using a deshedding tool once a month or every other month to remove excess and compacted fur and thin out dense coats. Of all the tools we tested with short- and long-haired cats, the Andis Pet Deshedding Tool is the most effective for both. With just a few strokes, it removes as much, or more, fur than other tools do in an entire brushing session.

The effectiveness of the Andis deshedder lies in its curved metal teeth, which reach beneath the topcoat to pull hair from the undercoat. The teeth gently catch and remove hair without causing discomfort or skin irritation. One of our cats loved being brushed with this tool, and the teeth's hooked design prevented us from accidentally nicking or over-raking their skin. The tool itself is lightweight, and its handle is easy to grip. The head is about 4.5 inches wide, an ideal size to get the job done quickly but small enough to fit into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

The only drawback is that the deshedder leaves behind a thin layer of loose fur on the topcoat. Lioyryan recommends using a comb or slicker brush after deshedding to remove leftover loose fur.

Best slicker

"Slicker brushes are often a cat's favorite," Lioyryan says. He adds that they are particularly useful for removing loose fur from the coat's outer layer and gripping the short strands of a short-haired cat's undercoat. For long-haired cats, a slicker brush is ideal for light daily brushing and catching pin knots, small mats, and loose clumps of fur. The Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush accomplishes all this but stands out for its brush head size and retractable pins.

Safari's lightweight slicker brush has an ergonomic handle with rubber grips. Its 3-by-2-inch paddle with 288 stainless steel pins is agile enough to get into hard-to-reach places. When the pins are full of hair, simply press a button on the back to push the front plate forward and dislodge the hair.

While the brush couldn't remove every mat on a long-haired cat, it did a great job helping us combat those on the chest and under the arms. You'll need to remove tougher tangles with a comb or dematting tool. If your cat's coat is severely matted, it's important to take your cat to a veterinarian or groomer who can safely remove the mats. "Never try to cut mats out of your cat's hair with scissors," Simpson says. "This can lead to accidental laceration of the skin."

Best dematting tool

While you can use a comb to remove mats from your long-haired cat, you may find a rake is easier to maneuver. Lioyryan says the best dematting rakes have sharp, curved tines that dislodge mats with minimal pulling. Our top pick, the Well & Good Prostyle Dual-Sided Shedding Rake, stands out for its superior grip and ability to remove pesky mats.

This versatile two-sided tool features an ergonomic handle with rubber grips and a 3-inch-wide head. On one side of the head is a seven-toothed dematting tool, and on the other, there is a deshedder with 13 teeth. In one fell swoop, you can turn the tool over in your hand to go from dematting to deshedding, removing excess fur and preventing new mats from forming.

Although our long-haired cat didn't have any stubborn mats during testing, the tool performed well in simulated dematting tests. It was also incredibly easy to use the dematting side along the cat's tummy to eliminate tangles, then quickly flip to the deshedding side to thin her fur. While this rake may not remove as much hair as the Andis Deshedding Tool, it effectively clears away loose fur on long- and short-haired cats.

The only downsides are the rake's price and the lack of metal hardware connecting the teeth to the tool. Lioyryan says all-metal hardware will prove the most durable. For a more budget-friendly two-in-one tool, the Maxpower Plant Pet Grooming Brush is a good option, though it's slightly heavier and has a larger head that may make it harder to remove mats from tight underarm spots.

Best comb

Long-haired cats are prone to developing tangled mats in their undercoat, causing discomfort and, in some cases, leading to illness. "Matting causes the hair to pull at the skin, which is painful," Simpson says. At the hind end, urine and feces may also stick to mats, increasing the risk of skin and urinary tract infections.

The best comb to smooth out matted fur is Chris Christensen's Cat/Carding Buttercomb #013, says Loel Miller, owner of Mobile Grooming by Loel. We found she was right. It excelled at digging into mats and untangling the fur caught within them.

The lightweight comb has stainless steel teeth embedded in a solid 6-inch spine. The teeth alternate in a pattern of long and short tines. The comb has no real handle, just about a quarter-inch-wide ridge that runs its length. It turns out that the lack of a handle makes this comb more versatile and easier to use — we could hold it comfortably at any angle to work out tangles.

Best grooming gloves

Cats who refuse to be groomed with one of the best cat brushes or a comb may tolerate grooming gloves, which fit closely to the natural shape of your palm. "Using a grooming glove or a soft rubber grooming brush can acclimate your cat to the feeling of being brushed in a gentle way," Simpson says.

Compared with all the other brushes and combs we tested, gloves are the worst at removing hair from a cat's coat. However, if your cat is sensitive to brushing, gloves will help remove some fur, dirt, and dander. The well-constructed HandsOn Grooming Gloves were the best of the bunch. The rubber palms are covered with rounded nubs, three clumps on each finger and two on the thumb. The other side of the glove is made of strong nylon fabric, with a velcro wrist closure that keeps it secure.

The gloves come in five sizes, junior to extra large. As an average-sized woman, the medium pair fit me comfortably. Unlike the other gloves we tested, these didn't feel overly bulky. The gloves can be used dry or wet, and so far, they have not cracked, torn, or grown mildew, which the company claims is a feature of their durability.

Best silicone

Editor's note: Furbliss for Short Hair is currently out of stock.

The Furbliss is one of the best cat brushes not just because its flexible silicone nubs are gentle and effective at removing loose hair but also because you can use it to massage your pet, remove hair from clothing and upholstery, and dispense shampoo in the bath.

Pet groomer Melissa Tillman says a good curry brush is ideal for grooming a short-haired cat. We found that this curry-style brush can help remove loose hair, dirt, and dander from long-haired cats, but it really shines on cats with shorter hair. The two-sided silicone brush has flexible nodules that smooth out the topcoat and stimulate circulation.

The lightweight brush was easy to grip and use. Fur sticks to the silicone material, making it a challenge to clean, but you can rinse it under the faucet or run it through the dishwasher or washing machine. On the back, there are reservoir cells to hold shampoo for deep cleaning while bathing. You can also rub the backside over clothing and upholstery to remove hair and lint.

The Furbliss comes in two different designs. The blue brush has dense, cone-shaped teeth designed for short-haired pets, and the green brush has larger, more widely spaced nubs for long-haired pets. However, we tried both brushes and didn't notice a significant difference.

What to look for in a cat brush

We spoke to three professional groomers and two veterinarians to narrow down the best cat brushes for every coat type and budget. They recommend keeping the following features in mind when shopping for cat grooming tools:

Shape and length: The shape of the brush directly impacts how well the brush removes fur and mats, especially from hard-to-reach places. Dematting and shedding brushes with small heads, like Andis Pet Deshedding Tool and Well & Good Prostyle Dual-Sided Shedding Rake, are great for reaching problematic areas such as under the limbs. The moderate length of Chris Christensen Buttercomb's teeth angles along the body, effectively tackling tough knots and mats.

Function: Not all brushes serve the same purpose, and you'll need more than one in your arsenal to address all of your cat's grooming needs.

• Pin brushes: These brushes are gentle enough for daily use. The metal tines effectively tackle minor tangles, while the rubber tips provide a gentle, massaging sensation without poking your cat.
• Bristle brushes: The nylon bristles remove loose hair from the topcoat and ensure the rest of the coat is smooth and lying in the same direction, which will help prevent future mats and tangles. A combo pin and bristle brush is particularly suitable for multi-cat households with both short- and long-haired cats.
• Slicker brushes: These are effective for light daily brushing, removing loose fur, and managing small tangles. The metal tines are numerous and slightly bent at the ends, making them especially useful for grabbing loose hairs from the undercoat of short-haired cats.
• Skip tooth combs: This type of comb has a single row of steel tines with alternating lengths, designed to penetrate the undercoat of long-haired cats. If a comb has teeth that are all the same length and closely spaced, you might push the undercoat down instead of effectively brushing through it, Lioyran says. A comb is the ideal weekly or as-needed tool for small mats and grooming after deshedding.
• Deshedding tools or rakes: These tools have curved tines to grip and remove excess fur. The number of tines varies, and Lioyryan says you might need to experiment with several deshedding rakes before finding the one that best suits your cat. He recommends using deshedding rakes monthly or every other month to eliminate loose fur and thin out thick coats. Lioyryan says even short-haired cats require deshedding, given their higher number of hair follicles than long-haired cats.
• Dematting rakes: If a stubborn mat pops up, a dematting rake is the best tool. Our experts strongly advise against using scissors on your cat's fur. Lioyryan recommends dematting tools with curved tines rather than straight ones because they tend to have a better grip.
• Grooming gloves: These are gentle enough to acclimate cats to grooming and are less likely to overstimulate cats who are sensitive to touch.
• Curry brushes: These versatile brushes with rubber nubs effectively remove loose hair, massage your pet, remove hair from clothing and upholstery, and lather shampoo during baths.

Comfort: The tines of a brush shouldn't poke and prod at your cat, and a tool should never excessively tug at the fur. To ensure your cat's comfort, opt for a pin brush with rubber-tipped tines and slickers with a soft brush pad that allows the tines to move with the curvature of your cat's bones. The best cat brushes also have ergonomic and rubber handles for the groomer's comfort.

Some cats may still dislike their grooming tools even if they check all the right boxes for comfort. "Just like people, some cats love being brushed, and they tolerate tension on their fur very well. Other cats do not," Lioyryan says. "If a cat doesn't like a particular tool, it doesn't necessarily mean that the tool is wrong." He suggests holding the skin taut to reduce pulling when using a deshedding rake and being mindful when brushing over bones.

Introducing your cat to grooming tools early increases the likelihood that they will tolerate and even enjoy the grooming process. For cats sensitive to grooming, grooming gloves such as HandsOn All-In-One Gloves may be the best option.

How we tested the best cat brushes

To identify the most effective cat brushes and combs for this guide, we conducted the following tests with 31 brushes and combs.

Hair removal test: To objectively compare the brushes in the deshedding tool and slicker brush categories, we used a different grooming tool for one to three days to give our tester cats — two short-haired cats and two long-haired cats — a complete brushing. The removed hair was placed in labeled plastic bags, laid side by side to reveal which tool removed the most.

Ease of use test: While using each grooming tool, we evaluated the following characteristics:

• How easy the tool was to use overall
• The weight of the tool
• The size of the tool and how well it fit in our hands
• How well the tool accessed hard-to-reach places
• How easy the tool was to clean after use
• The durability of the tool

Dematting test: This test was devised for the products in the dematting comb category. For each comb, we began by rolling, mashing, and entangling a large pile of undercoat fur removed from a long-haired cat using a deshedding tool. We then attempted to restore the fur to its smooth, unmatted state with the comb. The top three tools went on to tackle the small mats on one of our tester cat's chest and under his forelegs, where he has trouble reaching during grooming. The comb that dematted the hair most easily and efficiently was declared the winner.

Cat brush FAQs

What is the best type of brush to use on a cat?

The right brush for your cat depends on your cat's coat type and specific grooming needs. For most cats, a combination pin-and-bristle brush is the best choice for everyday grooming, whether they have short or long hair. The pins remove loose hair and small tangles while the bristles smooth the top coat. However, a single brush can't meet every grooming need. Long-haired cats require monthly or every-other-month grooming with a deshedding rake, followed by a skip tooth comb or pin brush to remove remaining loose fur and handle small tangles. To handle bigger knots and mats, you'll need a dematting tool.

If you have a short-haired cat, you can skip the comb but should use a slicker or pin brush to tackle small tangles and remove loose hair from the undercoat. You may also need a deshedding rake and a dematting tool. Some cats may prefer the gentle touch of a soft rubber curry comb rather than a pin or slicker brush. A grooming glove is another good option for short-haired cats, particularly if they are sensitive to being handled.

Are cat brushes good for cats?

Yes. Brushing removes loose hair and dead skin cells that would otherwise be swallowed during self-grooming or shed around your home. Reducing the amount of hair a cat consumes can help minimize hairballs. Brushing also distributes the natural oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny, stimulates blood circulation, and helps strengthen the bond between a cat and their caregiver.

How often should you brush your cat's fur?

Opinions differ even among professionals regarding how often a cat should be brushed. The ASPCA recommends brushing your cat once or twice a week to help maintain a healthy coat, while VCA Animal Hospitals recommends daily brushing, particularly for cats with long hair or a thick coat. Tillman's rule of thumb is to brush your cat as often as they will let you. Harper doesn't have a universal rule, but recommends running your hands, if not a brush or comb, over your cat's body at least once daily. Older cats that cannot groom themselves may require more frequent sessions than younger cats.

How often should I use a deshedding tool on my long-haired or thick-coated cat?

Lioyryan recommends using a deshedding tool on both long and short-haired cats once a month to every other month. Afterward, brush with a skip tooth comb, slicker brush, or pin brush.

How long should I brush my cat?

Rather than brushing for a fixed amount of time, pay close attention to your cat's body language. If they become agitated or try to move away from the brush or comb, stop the session and pick it up again later.

How do you brush an unwilling cat?

The earlier you start introducing your cat to brushing, the better. "Kittens that are regularly groomed and have their nails trimmed become used to being handled," Simpson says. To help set your cat up for success, she recommends positioning them in a comfortable, quiet area and pairing gentle brush strokes or combing with delicious treats. Lickable treats, like Inaba Churu, are especially high-value for many cats. You can spread food on a Lickimat or scatter treats in front of your cat to keep your hands free. Simpson also says cats are less likely to be anxious if you work alone without restraining them.

Should cats go to groomers?

Anytime a cat is heavily matted, it's best to consult a professional. "Cats' skin is easy to cut, so it's best to leave that up to us," Tillman says. If you have a cat who dislikes being brushed, don't hesitate to hire a groomer to do the basics. "It's best not to push the limits of a cat where you are in danger of being injured," Miller says. For cats that are easily stressed during trips to the groomer, a mobile grooming service that comes to your home may be a good alternative.

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